zoom in
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To make something look bigger on a screen or through a camera by zooming
Literal meaning: To move the zoom setting inward (toward the subject), increasing magnification
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To use the zoom function of a camera, phone, or map to make something appear larger
"Can you zoom in? I can't read the sign from here."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
In filmmaking or photography, to increase the focal length to frame a subject more tightly
"The director told the camera operator to zoom in on the actor's face for the emotional close-up."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Extremely common in everyday digital contexts — phones, cameras, video calls, maps. 'Zoom in' is the opposite of 'zoom out'. Used in both photography and video call contexts (e.g., on a Zoom call).
Commonly used with
camera map photo screen image details
Forms
Base
zoom in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
zooms in
he/she/it
Past simple
zoomed in
yesterday
Past participle
zoomed in
have + pp
-ing form
zooming in
continuous
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Synonyms
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